KNOW THIS FACT BEFORE YOU GO FOR THAT JOB INTERVIEW.
I'll give you some tips on how to build and maintain confidence before and during interviews. This tip is based on what works for me every time and has worked for everyone I've said it to.
All the time I see helpful tips on how to apply for jobs, and somehow little emphasis is laid on acing interviews, especially on composure during interviews. Well, here you go:
1. BE WELL PREPARED
When you're going for an interview, CROSSCHECK that your documents & requirements are complete before the day of the interview. Don't wait till the morning of or the night before the interview. Write out a list of everything you need and tick them to be sure.
Realizing you're going for an interview with incomplete documents can throw you off your game. You become anxious & panic, cos you're now at a disadvantage. A lot of times, people at interview grounds start looking for where to take a passport or make photocopies etc. THAT IS BAD!
2. DRESS WELL
Forget social media activism by liberals. In the Corporate World, your appearance is another mode of communication. It really does count. Besides, dressing very smartly and nicely helps boost confidence. You know how exotic you feel when you wear a new piece of clothing or jewelry? Yeah. That feeling! Dress so that when you step into the building, people cannot tell you're a visitor. Research on the company (and if possible dress like them or like a top executive in the company.) Let your appearance not say: "Please, I need this job.” Let it say: "I belong here.” Most importantly, after wearing your clothes, don't forget to wear a smile. It's your most important attire.
3. BE COURTEOUS
From the gate of the building to the interview room, see that short distance as your walk of tests; be kind, be courteous, wear that smile we talked about. When you're offended or tested, be polite in your rebuking. Be genuine. Be the kind of colleague everyone wants around. Make that good first impression on the first day.
4. KNOW YOUR ONION
Have you ever had a debate or discussion with someone who doesn't know anything or is not knowledgeable enough about a particular subject (happens a lot on the Social Media) and yet keeps arguing with points that are way off? Annoying as hell, yeah? Yes, that's what you'll sound like when you go into the interview room not knowing much about the role you're applying for, or doing your research beforehand. Don't lie. If you want to maintain your confidence throughout the interview, don't set yourself up.
Research the company you're interviewing with. Know a number of things about them. Don't cram. Make it into a story. What do you like most about them? What are their core values? Who is who in the company? What's their vision and mission? How did you hear about them? What impacts have they made? How do you fit in? Research is very important and a lot of people don't take their time. They don't go past the google page. It's a key part of your answers during the interview. It helps you know and tell how you fit into the company's vision & profile.
Now that you know the company well enough and what they offer, why did they put out a vacancy? Why do they need you? What is missing? Why do they need extra hands? What are they looking for, or hoping to achieve? What do they need? Here comes the most important part.
5. YOU'RE THE MVP! Yes, The Most Valuable Player!
It's a tedious process when searching for a gemstone like a diamond in the midst of rubble. The stripping off of the surface layer of earth, digging, drilling, offloading of the gangues; use of explosives etc. A lot of money goes into it. It doesn't matter that it is rough & not perfected yet. The search is thorough. Once it is found, it is cleaned up and cut into a perfect glistening shape.
You're the diamond in question! A whole interview was set up for your sake. The company is incomplete! No matter how big they are, there is a missing piece. That is why they need someone to fill it up. You are the current Most Valuable Player. You're what they need. You don't need them.
You cannot approach that interview looking desperate for a job. The Recruiter is being paid to find you. They're at your mercy. You have a service you can offer. You're a unique being, so no one else can do what you do, exactly as you would. They need you. You can take your services to any other company and they would be dying to have you. There's only one you. There are many of them. You're the hot cake! The interview was not set up for them. It was for you. You're the celebrity. They invited you over. They're trying to negotiate.
They want you to come to their aid. Know this and own it!
The question now is, are you “diamond” enough? Are you worth the search, time and investments? Of course you are! Position yourself for harvesting. Prepare very well and work hard to be more than just a rock.
In the next article, I will continue on what to do during the interview; how to navigate the potholes of questions thrown at you, how to read your interviewer(s) and ace your interview. For now, let your confidence be lit up!
Congratulations on your new job!
All the time I see helpful tips on how to apply for jobs, and somehow little emphasis is laid on acing interviews, especially on composure during interviews. Well, here you go:
1. BE WELL PREPARED
When you're going for an interview, CROSSCHECK that your documents & requirements are complete before the day of the interview. Don't wait till the morning of or the night before the interview. Write out a list of everything you need and tick them to be sure.
Realizing you're going for an interview with incomplete documents can throw you off your game. You become anxious & panic, cos you're now at a disadvantage. A lot of times, people at interview grounds start looking for where to take a passport or make photocopies etc. THAT IS BAD!
2. DRESS WELL
Forget social media activism by liberals. In the Corporate World, your appearance is another mode of communication. It really does count. Besides, dressing very smartly and nicely helps boost confidence. You know how exotic you feel when you wear a new piece of clothing or jewelry? Yeah. That feeling! Dress so that when you step into the building, people cannot tell you're a visitor. Research on the company (and if possible dress like them or like a top executive in the company.) Let your appearance not say: "Please, I need this job.” Let it say: "I belong here.” Most importantly, after wearing your clothes, don't forget to wear a smile. It's your most important attire.
3. BE COURTEOUS
From the gate of the building to the interview room, see that short distance as your walk of tests; be kind, be courteous, wear that smile we talked about. When you're offended or tested, be polite in your rebuking. Be genuine. Be the kind of colleague everyone wants around. Make that good first impression on the first day.
4. KNOW YOUR ONION
Have you ever had a debate or discussion with someone who doesn't know anything or is not knowledgeable enough about a particular subject (happens a lot on the Social Media) and yet keeps arguing with points that are way off? Annoying as hell, yeah? Yes, that's what you'll sound like when you go into the interview room not knowing much about the role you're applying for, or doing your research beforehand. Don't lie. If you want to maintain your confidence throughout the interview, don't set yourself up.
Research the company you're interviewing with. Know a number of things about them. Don't cram. Make it into a story. What do you like most about them? What are their core values? Who is who in the company? What's their vision and mission? How did you hear about them? What impacts have they made? How do you fit in? Research is very important and a lot of people don't take their time. They don't go past the google page. It's a key part of your answers during the interview. It helps you know and tell how you fit into the company's vision & profile.
Now that you know the company well enough and what they offer, why did they put out a vacancy? Why do they need you? What is missing? Why do they need extra hands? What are they looking for, or hoping to achieve? What do they need? Here comes the most important part.
5. YOU'RE THE MVP! Yes, The Most Valuable Player!
It's a tedious process when searching for a gemstone like a diamond in the midst of rubble. The stripping off of the surface layer of earth, digging, drilling, offloading of the gangues; use of explosives etc. A lot of money goes into it. It doesn't matter that it is rough & not perfected yet. The search is thorough. Once it is found, it is cleaned up and cut into a perfect glistening shape.
You're the diamond in question! A whole interview was set up for your sake. The company is incomplete! No matter how big they are, there is a missing piece. That is why they need someone to fill it up. You are the current Most Valuable Player. You're what they need. You don't need them.
You cannot approach that interview looking desperate for a job. The Recruiter is being paid to find you. They're at your mercy. You have a service you can offer. You're a unique being, so no one else can do what you do, exactly as you would. They need you. You can take your services to any other company and they would be dying to have you. There's only one you. There are many of them. You're the hot cake! The interview was not set up for them. It was for you. You're the celebrity. They invited you over. They're trying to negotiate.
They want you to come to their aid. Know this and own it!
The question now is, are you “diamond” enough? Are you worth the search, time and investments? Of course you are! Position yourself for harvesting. Prepare very well and work hard to be more than just a rock.
In the next article, I will continue on what to do during the interview; how to navigate the potholes of questions thrown at you, how to read your interviewer(s) and ace your interview. For now, let your confidence be lit up!
Congratulations on your new job!
Contact the Author: Abimbola Ajagbe (Twitter: @Clan_Clueless)
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